But views of one religious leader who attended the feast led the prime minister to denounce him just hours after the dinner.

President of the National Australian Imams Council, Sheikh Shady Al-Suleiman, was recorded in a 2013 video preaching that homosexuality was an "evil act" bringing "evil outcomes" of sexually transmitted diseases.

"Views like this are wrong, unacceptable and I condemn them," Turnbull said on Thursday night.

"Mutual respect is the key to the success of our diverse tolerant multicultural society."

The PM on Friday told Melbourne's 3AW radio he regretted inviting him to the dinner, while his campaign has said he was unaware of the Sheik's views.

Sheik Shady later told The Australian "such statements with a personal commitment to tolerance and encouragement that all Muslims and all people approach all individuals, no matter their faith, race or sexuality, in a considerate and respectful way."

An honour to be the first PM to host an Iftar dinner with multi-faith and young leaders at Kirribilli House tonight pic.twitter.com/Fj7JFvlYj5

As the Sydney Morning Herald points out, the Prime Minister is trying to strike a balance between being inclusive of the muslim community and tough on national security, as well as heal over what critics saw as divisive rhetoric from former prime minister Tony Abbott.

Mr Turnbull told The Australian there was "no question" from where the majority of the world's terrorist violence emanated.

"In this age of terrorism — overwhelmingly inspired by radical Islamist ideology — our security agencies must have the trust of Islamic communities in order to succeed," Mr Turnbull reportedly said.